Tasting The Arran Malt Orkney Bere

Orkney? Bere? In an Arran island malt? how come? I bet you are asking yourselves the same questions. So a little explaining is needed here:  Bere is Scotland’s oldest cultivated barley and was commonly used until the 20th century for the production of whisky. This Single Malt Scotch whisky was produced in 2004 as a collaboration between the Agronomy Institute of Orkney College (University of the Highland & Islands), hence the Orkney in the name, and the Isle of Arran Distillery. The Bere barley for this Arran whisky was grown on Orkney before being malted in Inverness and subsequently distilled and matured on Arran. It has been matured for over 8 years in American oak barrels and bottled at 46% without chill-filtration or the addition of artificial colouring. Modern barley varieties have long since eclipsed Bere in the whisky industry but, as this bottling testifies, it can still produce a  distinctive Single Malt , offering us a glimpse at how whisky might have tasted a few 100’s of years back. A very interesting expression no doubt. Let’s dive:

Arran Orkney Bere , 46% ABV , 5,800 btls, £45

Nose: Starts very sweet and fruity with lots of vanilla. Apple peel and pear drops. sweet wood shavings. Fresh. Classic. with a hint of Wet Cherubs.

Palate: Creamy. Sweet. Lots of vanilla, red apple and  Sugar. Touches of wood. Chocolate. Spice. Bits of pepper.

Finish : Malt sugar And wood, nicely balanced, and fairly long.

Fresh, delicious, and lovely. This is a lovely drop, you will find yourself wanting more and more of this, it’s really hard stopping at one dram, and why should you after all?

Score: 86/100

Slainte!

Official sample provided by the Isle of Arran distillery.